USA > Illinois > St Clair County > Portrait and biographical record of St. Clair County, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 10
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of whom died in infancy; George died when a bright little fellow of four years. Louis was born in January, 1860, is married, and lives in New Athens in this township; and Edward, born in 1861, is married and lives upon his father's farm, which he operates.
Our subjeet has made all the improvements upon this place, and has a good brick house and all the modern improvements. The farm is a fine piece of land of five hundred and sixty-one acres, all of which is in a good state of cultivation. ITis principal erop is of wheat, and sometimes the vield is wonderful. Mr. Joseph and family belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, of which they are devoted members. In his political convic- tions, he prefers the principles of the Dem- ocratie party, and he has held the office of School Director in several districts. Ile has lived a hard, work-a-day life, which has been erowned with success in a worldly sense, and, what is better, with the reward of an approving con- science and the approbation and esteem of his neighbors. ITis estimable wife and himself are among the most prominent people of the town- ship, whom all deem it a happy privilege to know.
ENRY REIS, The gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch is a member of the prominent lumber firm of M. & HI. Reis, who have carried on their large and successful business in this city for the past twenty-six years.
Mr. Ilenry Reis, the junior partner of this firm, is a native of Ilesse-Darmstadt, Germany, born there September 24, 1839, being the son of Val- entine Reis, also a native of the Fatherland, who came to America in 1849, bringing his wife and family. Ile stopped in St. Louis, where he remained until 1857, and then removed to Scott County. Min., and carried on his business of Ium- berman. Mr. Reis had married Catherine Freehant in Germany and they reared nine children, of whom four sons are located in St. Clair County, namely: Michael, Valentine, George and Henry.
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Henry received his education in the excellent schools of St. Louis. Removing with his father to Minnesota, he remained for one year, but not lik- ing that State he returned to St. Louis, residing there for some time; he then went back to Shakopee. Minn., and engaged in the grocery business until 1866, when he came to Belleville to en- gage permanently in the lumber business with his brother, M. Reis. The yard is situated on West Main Street, has a frontage of one hundred feet and is the full depth of the block. This firm is the second oldest of its kind in the city, and carries on an extensive business. In addition to his other interests, Mr. Reis is a Director in the First Na- tional Bank of Belleville, and owns a one-third in- terest in the nail mill, which carries on a very flourishing trade, giving employment to a large force of men.
When Mr. Reis chose a wife, he selected one of the maidens of this city, namely, Miss Elizabeth Kissel, who was born in Belleville in August, 1845, a daughter of Valentine Kissel, the marriage occur- ring in July, 1866. To this couple have been given ten children, namely: Mary, wife of Jarob Reis, of Shakopee, Minn .; Valentine; Henry; Michael; Lonise; Lizzie; George; lTerman; delhied and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Reis are prominent mem- bers of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Cathedral and Mr. Reis is Treasurer of St. Peter's ('ath- olic Benevolent Society. The pleasant home of this entertaining family is on the corner of Race and Second South Streets, where Mr. and Mrs. Reis receive their large circle of friends in a truly hospitable manner.
b ERMAN MOOTZ. The gentleman whose name opens this brief notice is the aecom- modating pharmacist located on the corner of Fourth Street and Brady Avenue, in East St. Louis. Mr. Mootz was born in Iloheneggel- sen, August 5, 1848. He was reared and educated in Germany and attended the gymnasium at Gifhorn, near Brunswick; he was graduated there, and then
entered upon the study of pharmacy with the Commissary, Dr. Proellius, at the Raatz Apotheke, in Hanover.
In 1867, our subjeet came to America to escape military oppression after finishing his course, leaving Bremen in December, 1866, in the sailing- vessel "Atlanta." for New York, and was almost drowned on the passage, as on the 25th of De- cember the vessel ran upon a cliff on the English Coast during a terrible storm. There were twelve hundred passengers. all of whom, February 18. 1867, had to be put upon half rations and reduced to four ounees of water a day. At New York, he went upon the steamer "Livingston," bound for Savannah, Ga., and took the position of hos- pital steward under Dr. Sayers, who was just starting a German colony on a large rice plantation seventeen miles south of Savannah; but he only re- mained there until March 18, 1867, when the col- ony proved a failure, as the plantation had been so run down that it was impossible to make the venture a success.
Our subjeet then enlisted in the regular army in the Sixteenth Regiment, United States Infantry. lle was made Hospital Steward, sent from pillar to post, and was in the midst of the trouble oeeur- ring from the Klu-Klux at Louisville, Ga. When his time was out, he was glad to get his discharge. In 1870, Mr. Moots became a pharmacist at Louis- ville, Ky., remaining there until 1871, when he went to Memphis and took charge of a prescrip- tion store for Robert Battier, going thenee in 1872 to Providence, La., as clerk for Dr. L. B. Bernard. In the fall of 1873, our subject pur- chased a stock of drugs and medicines from Col. F. Pennington, and did a very successful business until the crisis of 1873 broke it up.
Mr. Mootz then collected what he could and went to Greenville, Miss., and opened a store. Eight months later a fire started in a buikling three blocks away and a third of the city was burned before it could be controlled, and our un- fortunate subjeet was the loser of all his stock, upon which there was no insurance. This was dis- couraging, indeed, but in the spring of 1876 Mr. Mootz eame to East St. Louis and took charge of the drug store of Dr. E. Vanquist, condueting his
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business until 1877, and then bought the stock, continuing in the place on Collinsville Avenue for twelve years. In 1888, our subject sold the store to Drs. Wood and Carr, and in May, 1889, started a store with an entirely new stock, on the corner of Fourth and Brady, building up a very fine pre- scription trade.
The marriage of Mr. Mootz took place in Lake Providenee, La., February 3, 1873, to Mrs. Sarah (Menges) Bernstein. She was born in London, Eng- land, but was reared from the age of two years in New Orleans. Mr. and Mrs. Mootz have had three children: Albertine and Camelia; and Dora, who died at the age of five years. The two daughters of Mrs. Mootz by her former marriage were Emily and Rosa, both deeeased. Mr. Mootz is a member of the Ancient, Free & Accepted Masons and Modern Woodmen. He is a Democrat in his be- lief, but is not active in polities.
h M. NEEDLES. One of the most efficient officers of the law in the city of Belleville is the gentleman whom we have named above. Born in Brown County, Ill., Octo- ber 9, 1853, he is the son of .James B. and Christiana (Mace) Needles. The father was born in Balti- more, Md., and went when a young man to Monroe County, being one of the pioneers in what was then the Far West; he began farming, and con- tinued at that until elected Sheriff for several terms. He married Miss Mace, a daughter of Ilenry Mace, a pioneer of this county. The grand- mother of this lady had a thrilling experience. Iler name was Andrews, and she was taken cap- tive and held by the Indians for some time, all of the family being killed but her; she was ransomed by the French traders who bought and paid for her and restored her to her friends. (See sketch of Dr. Mace.)
The father of our subject removed to Brown County and then to this county, but finally ended his days in Washington County, leaving a family of three sons and one daughter: T. B., living in
Nashville, Ill .; Mrs. Sarah E. Cooper; Edward and our subject. The latter was educated in the com- mon schools; then went to Mckendree College at Lebanon, in this county, and graduated a B. S. in the Class of '73. After attending the law depart- ment of the Wisconsin University, he graduated an LL. B. in 1876, and was admitted to practice; he returned to Illinois in 1877, was admitted to prac- tice here, and located in Belleville, where he has had a fine growing practice ever since.
Dr. Needles was made Public Administrator for one term of four years, and was tendered a re- appointment. lle has been an active politician, and has been interested in various real-estate in- vestments, which his good judgment has made profitable; and he also has been collector for the in- surance companies of the city, giving satisfaction in all cases. He is a member of the orders of Ma- sonry and Knights of Pythias, in both of which he is highly esteemed. Our subject was married to Miss Clarissa V. Scott, daughter of Isaac Scott, one of the early pioneers here. The marriage took place May 9, 1875, and four interesting chil- dren have been born to our subject and his esti- mable wife: Homer, Martin, Fred and Elmer. Dr. Needles holds the office of Police Magistrate for the city, his re-election dating from April, 1892.
OHN J. McLEAN. Among the many note- worthy lines of business which have made East St. Louis a very important commercial eentre may be mentioned the building and loan associations. Probably that which has best carried out the wishes of its founders is the one bearing the name of the Safety Homestead and Loan Association, of which our subject is the effiei- ent Secretary. lle is also interested in the real. estate business of the city, and is connected with some enterprises in Hillsboro.
The grandparents of our subject many years ago moved from Seotland into Kings County, Ire- land, carried on farming there, and in that county
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our subject's father first saw the light. From there when still a young man, Martin McLean came to the United States, settled in the fertile county of Westchester, N. Y., and there married. For some reason not known to the biographer, he removed from there and went to Paterson, N. J., and was connected with the locomotive machine shops some time; thence went to Metuchen, N. J., and engaged in farming, buying one hundred and sixty acres of land five miles from the sea coast. In 1864, Mr. McLean came to Illinois and located in Montgomery County, near Litchfield, where he bought a farm of over one thousand acres. On that place he now resides and has been air exten- sive stock-raiser. Politically, he has affiliated with the Democratic party. The mother of our subject was Mary Cary, who was born and reared in Ire- land, emigrating thence to New York, where she met her husband. Her death occurred in 1878; during her life she was a member of the Catholic Church. Our subject was born in Metuchen, N. J., April 4, 1850. He was one of three children, the others being William H., who is on the home farm, and Margaret, who is Mrs. M. E. McAnarney, of Montgomery County.
Mr. MeLean was reared on the farm and at- tended the common school of his neighborhood until he came to Illinois. In 1870-71-72, he at- tended the Christian Brothers' College in St. Louis, then took a course in a celebrated commer- cial college and graduated from it. After gradu- ating, he taught school in Montgomery County for one year, but in 1873 he was elected to the office of Treasurer of Montgomery County, and held the office until December, 1875, when he be- gan the real-estate business in Hillsboro. In 1882, he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Recorder by the Democrats, and in 1886 was re-elected, serving two terms in both offices. During this time, he was admitted to the Illinois Bar, and in 1890, at the expiration of his term of office, still continued at llillsboro. In 1891, he located in East St. Louis and opened a real-estate business, dealing in city property. In 1891 he organized the Safety Homestead and Loan Association, was made Secretary, and has continued in this posi- tion ever since, Mr. McLean was one of the
organizers of the First National Bank of Litch- field and is still a Director. IIe also helped to organize the First National Bank of Hillsboro, and is yet a Director of that institution.
Mr. MeLean was married in Montgomery County, in 1877, to Miss Amanda Thomas, the daugli- ter of Samuel R. Thomas, a prominent stock- man of this same county. Two children have been added to this household, Edgar M. and Irene N. Our subject is a prominent member of the Catholic Church of Hillsboro, and the family takes a very important position in the social life of the eity. lle is a generous, hberal man, very kind- hearted. Hle is devoted to the principles of the Democratic party and a great admirer of ex-Pres- ident Cleveland.
ILLIAM GREBE, M. D. The subject of the following short sketch, a practicing physician of Freeburg, Ill., is the son of lIenry Grebe, who still remains at his old home in Germany. The birth of our subject was at Trier, Germany, in 1862, where he made his home until the age of eighteen years and where he attended excellent schools, closing with a course in phar- macy. In 1881 Mr. Grebe came to the United States. He first entered a drug store in Philadel- phia as clerk, remaining there until 1883; he then went to the College of Pharmacy in that city, was graduated and then visited Germany, returning to Philadelphia in 1884.
During his absence, he served one year in the army and studied medicine under a German physi- cian. After his return, Dr. Grebe became a student at the University of Pennsylvania, graduated from the medical department in September, 1889, then came West, looking for a location where his educa- tion and abilities would be appreciated, and finally decided to locate in the pleasant town of Freeburg. Hle made this place his home two years ago and has lived here ever since. We do not declare that people here get sick in order that the Doctor may make them well; but it is not exaggeration to say
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that when serious illness comes, the desire of the friends of the sufferer is that the brilliant young physician may exercise his skill upon them. He conducts a drug store in connection with his prac- tice.
The marriage of Dr. Grebe took place June 23, 1891, the bride being Miss llelen Barthel, the charming daughter of Henry Barthel, a prominent merchant of Freeburg. They have one bright little one named William Henry, an infant. Dr. Grebe belongs to the lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at this place and has held several offices in the order; also belongs to the Hlarugari of this place and the Athletic Club. By the time the next RECORD of St. Clair County is written we pre- dict that the name of this young and progressive physician will be known beyond the borders of Illinois.
REDERICK WILLIAM WOLPERT. Our subject is one of the many representatives of the Teutonic race in this country, who have brought into American life the patience and industry which are sometimes lacking in the Ameri- can artisan. Ile was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, May 1, 1830, and is the son of Frederick William Wol- pert. His mother died when he was very young, and his father when he was eight years old.
Our subject went to school until he was fourteen and was then apprenticed for four years to cutlery manufacturers at Oppenheim, Germany. Ilere he remained until he was eighteen years old as an ap- prentice, and then, not being satisfied with what he had learned, he remained with them until he was twenty years old, thus receiving a very thor- ough education in his trade. Being an orphan, with few home ties, he concluded to try his fortune across the ocean; hence June 5, 1851, he landed in New York City, and started out to find employment. He first engaged in the manufacture of shears, in Newark, N. J., where he remained one year. llis next removal was to Cornwall, Conn., where he remained until 1861.
In 1862, he came to Belleville and opened a shop of his own. It is one of the largest and most con- venient anywhere in this county, and has trade from St. Louis and both East and West. Mr. Wol- pert is an expert workman, and with so many years of practice, will only turn out the very best work. He has with him his son, who has learned the business, and will succeed him.
Mr. Wolpert was married in Cornwall, Conn., to Miss Maria Heberer, of German birth. She was a good wife, and left her husband five children, namely: Clara, wife of Jnles Cottert, of Spring- field, 111 .; Louisa, wife of Peter Wermels, of St. Louis; Rosa. wife of Jacob Lange, of Pittsburgh, Tex .; Henry, living with his father; and Gustav who is living in Columbus, Ohio. Our subject mar- ried for his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Rauschkolb, of this place, also of German birth. To them have been born nine children: Elizabeth, widow of Philip Hoener: William, a carriage-maker of Carlinville, Ill .; Anna, wife of C. Brandt, of St. Louis; Louis, of St. Louis; Louisa, of St. Louis; Otto and George at home; John, a mail carrier of St. Louis; and Ma- tilda, wife of Fritz Schermer, of this city.
The pleasant home of Mr. Wolpert is at No. 301 Walnut Street. He is a member of the German Methodist Episcopal Church of this city, and is one of the Board of Trustees. Ilis son Ilenry has inherited his father's tastes and talents, and bids fair to carry on his business with suc- cess. He was born in Belleville, September 3, 1867 and was educated in the public schools. He has learned the trade with his father, having been in the shop since he was fourteen years old.
ICHIAEL F. GEARY. The State of Penn- sylvania contributed quite extensively to the upbuilding of Illinois, and among the honest men who came here and have taken an active interest in everything of value to this beautiful city may be mentioned with truth the name of Mr. M. F. Geary. His father was
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born in Pennsylvania, owned a farm on the banks of the Susquehanna, and was a very prominent man in his neighborhood, having acceptably filled the offices of Justice of the Peace, Road Over- seer, and Supervisor for many years. Ile was of the Democratic faith in politics, lived to be nearly eighty years of age, and died at his home. The mother of our subject, Mary Kern, was a native of the Emerald Isle, and died a few years after her hus- band, a member of the Catholic Church. She had been the mother of sixteen children.
Our subject was born in Friendsville, Susque- hanna County, Pa., August 28, 1840, the eldest of his father's family. He was reared in Friendsville among the Quakers, went to school and worked on the farm among this kind and orderly people, and remained until seventeen years of age; he then thought he would like railroad life, and worked as brakesman for one day. Mr. Geary was made Yardmaster at Titusville, Pa., on the Oil City Rail- road, and later was conductor on the passenger train between Titusville and Corry for about four years. In 1867, he went West through East St. Louis to Kansas City for the Missouri Pacific Rail- road as Yardmaster, and in 1871 served as con- ductor between Sedalia, Mo., and Kansas City, which was then only a small village.
In 1871, he came to the Iron Mountain Railroad and ran a mixed train from Fredericktown to Bel- mont until 1873; then in December came to East St. Louis in charge of the yards of the Cairo Short Line Railroad, remaining until 1881, when he went to Indianapolis in charge of the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western and the Indianapolis, Deca- tur & Springfield for two years as Yardmaster. That ended his railway career. In 1883, our subject re- turned here. He had been very fortunate, for in his whole railroad career no accidents have befallen him. Mr. Geary was made Superintendent of the Heims Brewery in 1883, and continued with them until they sold out in June, 1888. He then bought Trauble Hall, and has been in the liquor business since that time. In October, 1891, Mr. Geary bought the site, on which he built Geary Hall. This building is used by fourteen different soeie- ties, and is occupied all of the time, Although it was raised and built in fifteen days, it has some of
the finest work upon it to be found in the city; is 33x60 feet, three stories high with basement, and has all the latest improvements. Mr. Geary owns considerable real estate in the city, and speeulates with it; is a partner in the firm of Ilill Bros. in the ownership of twenty-five acres in the city limits, which they will soon lay out; has built up some residences here, and owns other property.
The marriage of our subject took place in Titus- ville, Pa., March 4, 1867, to Miss Carrie B. Spear. born in Salem, Mass. They have but one child, Frank, living at home. Mr. Geary is a member of many fraternal societies and an officer in some of them; is Treasurer of Illinois Lodge No. 268, K. of II .; Treasurer of the Chevalier Commandery, K. of Il .; Trustee of Eureka Lodge No. 81, K. of P .; and Trustee of Rathbone Division No. 17, U. R. and K. of P., and also is Grand Assistant Dictator of the Knights of Honor of Illinois. The gentleman of whom we write has been a Republican all his life, a delegate to the county and State conventions, and also to the judicial and congressional conven- tions, and is now Chairman of the Republican com- mittee. In 1892, he was elected School Trustee on the Citizens' ticket, and is President of the Board of Trustees for four districts.
AMES J. RAFTER, A. B., A. M. The pres- ent practice of law requires the possession of a very liberal general education besides a knowledge of the principles elucidated by Coke and Blackstone. The gentleman whose name opens this sketch has proved that he has con- quered all the difficulties in the way, and is now en- joying a very successful practice in a pleasant office at No. 119 North Third Street, East St. Louis.
The grandfather of our subject, Michael Rafter, brought his family from Ireland to America in 1818 and located on a farm near Augusta, Me., where he passed the rest of his hfe. The father of onr subject was named Martin, and was born in County Wexford, Ireland, in 1806. When twelve
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years of age, his parents came to America, and, at the age of maturity, he married into one of the oldest families of the State of Maine. His wife was Susan Joyee, who had been born in the saine State. Her mother, the grandmother of our subject, was an Erskin, of an old pioneer fam- ily. Its founder was with Gen. Washington in the Revolutionary War, and after its close moved into the wilderness of Maine. The maternal grandfather of our subjeet came when a boy from Ireland and engaged in the fishing business in Newfoundland. Going in a schooner to Boston with his fish, he then settled in Lincoln County, Me., there went to farming and married.
In 1848, the father of our subject came to Illi- nois and settled in Springfield Township, Sanga- mon County, and there bought a farm, thirty acres of which were in the corporation and sixty-five of it were adjoining. He farmed there and laid out the Martin Rafter Addition to Springfield, be- came a very wealthy man by his foresight, and elosed his life there in 1881. lle had adhered to the principles of the Democratie party, and was a consistent member of the Catholic Church. Our subject's mother, now seventy-six years of age, re- sides upon a ranch of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Nelson County, N. Dak., to which she removed after her husband's death.
Our subject is the fourth oldest of ten children, and was born in Augusta, Me., March 15, 1846; was brought to Springfield when less than two years old, was reared in that place, and attended school there, graduating from the High School in 1865. Mr. Rafter then went to Niagara Uni- versity in New York. and graduated in 1868 with the degree of B. A., and later received the de- gree of M. A. In September, 1868, he became Principal of the Pleasant School in Sangamon County, Ill., and in April. 1869, came to East St. Louis to fill a vacancy in one of the schools, hold- ing that position until June, 1872, when he went back to Springfield and began the study of law with Stewart, Edwards & Brown.
Mr. Rafter was admitted to practice in Septem- ber, 1874, when he returned here, opened an office, and has had several partners, but is now conducting his business alone, In 1875, he was elected School
Trustee for three years. During the spring of 1883, when there was much trouble arising from the dual governments, he was Acting Mayor, and was engaged in much legal work incident to that disturbing time. Mr. Rafter engages in a regnlar law practice and has had many important cases; he was the attorney for the Minnie Bowman estate and laid out and sold Rose Hill, besides managing much valuable real estate. He owns property on Collinsville Avenue and in other parts of the city. Our subject has been a very active worker in the Democratic ranks, and has been a member of the Democratic Central Committee since 1884.
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